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Meet the Millers: Miller Tire and Auto Service

By Shelby Phelan June 9, 2024

Macaroni KID Roanoke loves to feature our neighbors and friends who own small businesses in the community. With Fathers Day this week, we thought it would be fun to share the story of the Miller family, new owners of Miller Tire and Auto Service, located at the former Crescent Heights in Cave Spring. 

Jamey Miller's family history of owning a tire business goes back 4 generations to his great grandfather. His grandfather moved to Salem in the 1950s and opened a new tire business, with the help of his wife bookkeeping and his young son, LC Miller  (Jamey's dad), learning how to do the work. By 1992, there were 3 locations that were bought by the Merchant Family, a family with similar values as the Millers, allowing his grandfather to fully retire.  His Dad continued to work for Merchants as an area President. Jamey started working for the company in 1996 unloading tires, eventually working in the shop, and moving into sales. We recently chatted with Jamey to learn more about his family and business. 


Did you ever think you would own your own tire business? 

In college, at Radford University, I vividly remember having to write a 5, 10, 15 and 20 year plan for my life and for some odd reason I based it off of owning my own business for one of my classes.   After I graduated, I got a job with Firestone Tire, thinking it was something I could do until I found something else. However, fast forward 20 years and 10 months, I finally get to make my dream happen, by reopening Miller Tire and Auto Service with the help and support of my wife, Kristy, and a little advice from my old man.


What are your earliest memories of working with your Dad? 

My earliest memories were amazing. I got to go to work with my Dad on the weekends and see under the cars while the mechanics were working on them. It was great because my grand parents were always there. I would get super dirty playing in the tires, I would stack them up and hide in them.  My brothers and I loved to play hide and seek in tires.  The machine that changed the tires were loud, but I was never afraid of them.  The best thing about going to work were the lunch breaks and snacks. There was something about working hard and then going to McDonalds for a happy meal that was just so rewarding.  Also, going to the snack machine and getting a pack of peanuts and putting them in a Pepsi and drinking them! The employees taught me all the good treats to have at work.  



Why was it important for you to open your business in the Cave Spring area? 

The Crescent Heights Auto location was perfect for myself and my family in many ways.  Crescent Heights Auto was in business for 57 years and a family owned business for 2 generations.   Similar to when my family sold to Merchant's, the Woods' and Miller families have a strong presence in the community with similar values.  

I have lived, worked, and now raise my family in Southwest County.  I love Southwest County, I shop in the county, my kids play sports in the county, our friends live here, and it was so very important for me to be active in community.  With my previous employer, there was no time or support to be the face of the business in the community, now I get to do that.  I can’t wait to have our family business name as sponsors for the school sports teams, and to be on the back of little league uniforms.  It's more than the name, it's being out in the community. I love going to all of the high school sports games.  I love running into customers at Kroger and local restaurants.  I told Kristy when we were working on the business deal that I have so much excitement to get out there and support the community at a whole new level than I ever have before.  It reflects in our mission statement “Our goal is to be the most trusted vehicle solution company in your neighborhood. Delivering customer service, honest repairs and supporting the communities we serve.  


What sets you apart from similar businesses? 

You feel like family, as a customer and employee.  It’s low pressure, low stress and a great environment.  We care for our employees and in return they care of our customers.  The level of mutual respect can be felt when you walk in the show room.  We all take pride in the work, environment and level of trust that we give to everyone.


What services does Miller Tire and Auto offer? 

We offer a little bit of everything.   Including, 

  • State Inspections
  • Brakes
  • Alignments
  • Tires
  • Oil changes
  • All scheduled maintenance services
  • Fluid Flushes
  • Steering and Suspension
  • Batteries/Charging Systems/Alternators 
  • Engine Replacements
  • Transmission replacements
  • Filters/Wipers
  • Engine Diagnostic Repairs
  • Tire Pressure Diagnostic and Sensor Replacement
  • We will be working with local tow companies to have affordable towing in the Roanoke Valley. 


What's your favorite way to spend a day with your family in Roanoke, Virginia? 

We are usually at a kid's sporting event.  However, I love to roll the windows down, take a drive and take in all the beautiful mountains, stopping for an ice cream cone with the family!  This little county we live in offers so much, and that’s what makes it great!!

Learn more about  Miller Tire and Auto Service Here.